And now, down to business

Campaign donation reform and the establishment of an independent body to oversee infrastructure investment are at the top of
Barry O
’Farrell’s legislative agenda.

Asked what his priorities were, the Premier-elect told The Australian Financial Review these would be the first pieces of legislation introduced into Parliament.

The Liberal-Nationals Coalition will set up Infrastructure NSW to map out a 20-year plan, including a detailed five-year funding proposal to deliver the state its major transport and building projects.

Sydney Airports chairman
Max Moore-Wilton
has been advising Mr O’Farrell on the plan.

However, it is thought unlikely Mr Moore-Wilton will take up a position on the new organisation’s board.

Mr O’Farrell has long argued for campaign donation reform, banning all third-party donations, including those from unions and corporations.

The Keneally Labor government introduced caps on political donations and campaign spending last year but the Coalition claims the changes don’t go far enough because unions can still spend up to $21 million in the lead-up to an election.

The new government will move quickly to establish a commission of audit into the state’s finances. It will push back the budget until September so that it has time to receive an interim report.